Industry Expert Claims GMOs Are Safe

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"Biotechnology and GMOs are hot-button topics in the consumer marketplace," said Heather Granato, vice president of content in VIRGO's Health & Nutrition Network.

Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) March 20, 2014

Gregory Jaffe, director of biotechnology at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is the featured speaker at this year’s Ingredient Marketplace, June 2-3, 2014 at the Jacob Javits Center in N.Y.C. He plans to delve into the topic of biotechnology and the future of ingredient supply chain during his hour discussion on Monday, June 2 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

"Although one reads constantly in the media and on the internet about problems surrounding GMOs and the need for mandatory labeling and non-GM products, the reality is that genetically engineered crops are safe, provide some benefits, and are an important part of the world's agricultural system now and in the future, " said Gregory Jaffe. "Despite the heated rhetoric, most consumers know little about GMOs and for them labeling is not a priority."

Greg's talk will demystify this hot topic, explain how engineered crops end up in different food ingredients and what food industry companies needs to know about this controversial topic. He will provide a roadmap for how companies should interact with consumers to ensure they have confidence in products containing engineered ingredients.

Jaffe has been with CSPI since 2001. He came to the organization after serving as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division and as senior counsel with the U.S. EPA, Air Enforcement Division. He is a recognized international expert on agricultural biotechnology and biosafety, and has published numerous articles and reports on those topics.

He has worked on biosafety regulatory issues in the United States and throughout the world, including the African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mali, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. He was a member of the Secretary of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture from 2003-2008, and was reappointed to a new term in 2011.

Jaffe was also a member of FDA’s Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee from 2004-2008. In addition, he has provided his biosafety expertise for projects involving the International Food Policy Research Institute, the World Bank and the UNEP-GEF Biosafety Project. Jaffe earned his bachelor's of arts degree with high honors from Wesleyan University in biology and government, and then received his juris doctorate from Harvard Law School.

"Biotechnology and GMOs are hot-button topics in the consumer marketplace," said Heather Granato, vice president of content in VIRGO's Health & Nutrition Network. "Suppliers and manufacturers are looking for accurate information around the risks and benefits of biotechnology, the regulatory considerations and how to keep the public informed--all goals of CSPI's Biotechnology Project. Having Greg Jaffe discuss the issues around biotechnology and the ingredients marketplace will further the rational discussion the industry needs."

Registration for Ingredient Marketplace is $99 and includes: 2-day expo hall access, “Trends In presentations”, keynote speakers, Drinks on Us reception and Ingredient IQ. Online registration is now open and early bird pricing goes through April 25, 2014.

About VIRGO’s Ingredient Marketplace
Virgo’s Ingredient Marketplace is the leading destination for the exploration, discovery, innovative and market strategy that fuels a healthier marketplace. For years, we’ve been bringing together the suppliers and buyers that drive the dietary supplement, food, beverage, animal nutrition, personal care, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and sports nutrition marketplace. Ingredient Marketplace is your source to learn more about the best that goes into whatever it is you make. For more information, visit supplysideshow.com.

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